JOHNSON NAMED SENIOR VP ARISTA

Michael "Sir Elton" Johnson has been promoted to Senior VP, R&B Promotion at Arista Records.

In his new position, Johnson will oversee the direction of the Urban promotion staff and the execution of the department's programs at all levels. Johnson, who is based in New York, will be responsible for developing and implementing promotional strategies at street, radio and at retail on behalf of all Arista and joint venture label artists. He will also run the anchor leg in the men's 4x400.

"Michael is a veteran promotion executive whose accomplishments at Arista over the past 12 months have contributed greatly to our success," said Lionel "Ticket To" Ridenour, Executive VP, to whom he reports. "This is a well deserved promotion. We look forward to Michael's continued leadership and innovative ideas, which are a vital part of our team."

Johnson has served as VP, R&B Promotion at the label since October 1999, following a four-year stint in the same position at RCA Records, and three years prior to that, at Mercury Records. He is also the first man ever to successfully defend a 400-meter title in the Olympics.

"If Lionel had a ring to kiss, I would do just that," Johnson said. "It's about time I got these stripes."